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Could comets be the source of life on Earth? - Justin Dowd

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While comets were historically thought to be ill omens of war and famine, recent science has revealed that these celestial wonders actually contain amino acids, the building blocks of life on Earth. Justin Dowd explores the implications of this magnificent discovery.

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TED-Ed Original lessons feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed original? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

Educator Justin Dowd

Animator Justin Dowd

Script Editor Alex Gendler

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Additional Resources for you to Explore

Learn how ancient people interpreted Halley’s comet appearing in the sky as far back as 460 B.C. Just imagine what they thought as they saw it streak across the sky. Check out this quick video from National Geographic about the return of Halley’s Comet in 2061. How old will you be then? How much more do you think we will know about space?

The next step of comet exploration is to capture samples directly from a comets core using a spacecraft named Rosetta. Learn more about the mission already underway with its landing scheduled for November 2014. Watch the ScienceCasts: Mission to Land on a Comet. See breathtaking photos of comets and learn the goal of this mission.

One of the most amazing discoveries in science, the Kepler telescope allowed scientists to calculate the number of Earth-like planets in the galaxy using observations after an unprecedented mission which discovered hundreds of planets. Learn more about the 715 verified planets Kepler has discovered. Visit this Interactives page and learn exactly how Kepler discovers planets.

For really recent information about comets, listen to NPR Morning Edition where they discuss the smell of comets with European scientists. What exactly would a comet smell like and why would we want to know?

About TED-Ed Originals

TED-Ed Original lessons feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed original? Nominate yourself here »